Sparty Unveiled!

(07/29/05)--The ES was swinging by the ole' Stadium today, and lo and behold... there was Sparty! He's been unveiled behind the glass -- see below (link here for more photos). Also, look at the detail work above the gates and the repainting of the front of the stadium. It is time for the finishing touches!

Bucky Badger Never Had it So Good

(07/29/05)--With the face only a mother could love, Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez has decided to step down after the 2005 season. He will remain as AD only; he's 58 years old. He has annointed def coord Bret Bielema to take over. Alvarez remains the only coach is the world who is a spitting image of its cartoonish mascot. Seriously, Alvarez revived a hurting program and proves it can be done anywhere!

Replay In Bowl Games; Geratric Coaches Poll To Debut in Sept

(07/30/05)--The NCAA will likely approve a plan for all 28 bowl games to use instant replay beginning this bowl season. It will be set proposed to the NCAA by October, with swift approval expected, according to the Associated Press. Currently, nine of the 11 D-1A conferences use IR, the exceptionsn being WAC and Sun Belt.

Also, it looks like the Geriatric Coaching Summitt... err, the Masters Coaches Survey (MCS) will indeed pop up this fall. USA Today reports that the poll will debut on Sept. 28 after several dry runs early in the season (for article, link here). The Executive Director of the MCS, Andy Curtin, is seeking sponsors from ESPN, Fox Sports or College Sports TV to help fund the poll -- which could pay these old fogeys up to $60,000 to participate.

Coaches interested in participating, according to Curtin: John Cooper (Ohio State), Vince Dooley (Georgia), Pat Dye (Auburn), LaVell Edwards (Brigham Young), Hayden Fry (Iowa), Don James (Washington), Frank Kush (Arizona State), Dick MacPherson (Syracuse), Bill Mallory (Indiana), Don Nehlen (West Virginia), John Ralston (Stanford), John Robinson (Southern California), R.C. Slocum (Texas A&M) and Gene Stallings (Alabama). Curtin said Bo Schembechler (Michigan), George Welsh (Virginia) and Terry Donahue (UCLA) are among other candidates for the panel, which probably will have 16 to 18 voters.

Didn't these geriatric gridders already vote when they were coaches? Can't they stay out of it and give their proteges the benefit of the doubt? Having retirees getting back involved in college FB when they already had their say is like having a politician stay in office too long...

MSU Announces FB Fan Appreciation Day

(07/29/05, MSU Media Relations, www.msuspartans.com)--Michigan State Football Fan Appreciation Day Exclusively for Spartan Season Ticket Holders: Monday, August 8, 2005. From 4:30-6PM
Behind Duffy Daugherty Football Building. Admission at the north
gate, off Shaw Lane.  One admission for each season ticket purchased. (Inclement weather
- go to Duffy Daugherty Football Building.)
 
Spartans will be available for autographs & pictures from 4:40-6PM.  Fans are limited to one (1) autograph per player/coach.

ES Previews ND Irish

(07/28/05)--The ES has posted a look at Notre Dame, the Goddam Irish that the ES hates so much. I hope we ram the ball down their throat for 700 yards of offense and 60 points. Link here for more on the frigging Irish.

ES Top 25 Featured on College FB Resource

(07/28/05)--The weblog, College Football Resource, has posted the ES' Top 25 poll on its website, with great commentary and views -- specifically that Texas and Tennessee are overrated. Link here for the poll.

Students to Use ID for Fall FB Tickets

(07/28/05)--According to an article in today's State News, MSU has announced that student season football tickets will be contained on student ID cards, instead of being mailed vouchers prior to games. Students will receive a seating assigment upon entry to the game and showing the ID. The State News reported the process: "To get into an MSU football game, students with tickets will now need their student ID, eliminating the voucher system. Students will swipe the ID at the ticket gate and then be given a ticket to a specific seat in the stadium." Some students have stated their concern about their inability to give the tickets they paid for to family if this process were in place. The ES will be taking advantage of this process as a graduate student this fall, so I'll let you know how it goes!

JC Update

(07/27/05, Updated 10:30 pm)--In regards to Jehuu Calucrick, the ES sticks by his update earlier today from the most recent source that he received a traffic violation last week... However, the ES has received a late email from his original source -- the source is emphatic that Jehuu Caulcrick's legal issues are more significant (per the original rumor)... although it ain't murder. Two conflicting sources? What's a Spartan fan to do? Let's see how this shakes out in the coming days... but stick with the traffic violation report.

RB Howard Gets DUI; Caulcrick - Lane Violation, no trouble

(07/27/05, Updated 2:15 pm)--It indeed does get worse before it gets better. As reported by the ES on Monday on this website (link here) and the July 26 podcast, at least the first part of the rumor the ES received (the Howard part) that a pair of offensive players are in trouble with the law is true. However, the second part -- that Caulcrick may be in trouble -- has turned up to be false and misinterpreted. Thank goodness the bleeding has stopped!

The Lansing State Journal officially reported today that Redshirt freshman RB Tony Howard was busted with a 0.188 blood alcohol content on July 2 in Garfield Heights, Ohio. He is expected to appear in court on August 2.

The ES received information over the weekend that Jehuu Caulcrick has encountered some legal issues. According to sources I've received as of 2 pm today (Wednesday), it was a LANE VIOLATION only -- and nothing more. This violation occurred around July 14 last week.

Howard was listed as #3 on the depth charts behind #1 Jason Teague and #2 Jehuu Caulcrick. A suspension or discipline by JLS would be likely against Howard as is the others.

But, don't expect any significant suspensions beyond the first game or two and expect most of these folks to suit up for the stint at Notre Dame.

You can expect John L Smith will have a serious conversation with the team when they report on August 7. MSU seems to be faring much worse than other squads this summer with minor legal problems. Again, expect fall practice to be boot camp at MSU. And, expect a convoluted lineup for the opener vs Kent State.

Spartans add Idaho, UAB to 2006, 2007 schedules

(07/26/05)--According to a Lansing State Journal report, Michigan State will pay the University of Idaho $650,000 to play the Spartans in East Lansing next year on Sept. 2 as MSU's football season home opener. And, in 2007, MSU will host Alabama-Birmingham. Link here for future schedules.

How good is this competition? Collegefootballnews.com ranks Idaho #102 out of 119 teams this fall, and UAB at #67. Idaho is a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), and UAB is a member of Conference USA's Eastern Division.

More Trouble Ahead for MSU???

(07/24/05)--The ES received a report (a rumor?) on Sunday, unconfirmed at this point, in which two more offensive MSU players have encountered minor legal problems as of late. The ES is looking into the story to see if it is legit (if it is, the police blotter will tell the tale), but it would stir up an offseason already steeped in off-field disciplinary issues. Bottom line -- expect a shuffled lineup for our home opener, and JLS will open practice as boot camp for these gridders.

ES Previews Hawaii Cheaters

(07/24/05)--The ES has posted a look at Hawaii, the team that cheated the Spartans last year in the worst officiated game in NCAA history. I hope we beat their ass by 100 points this year. Link here for more on our second enemy of 2005.

Jaren Hayes Suspended; Peko & Niebylski Issues

(07/22/05)--As reported both both on WILX-10 and WLNS-6, senior DB Jaren Hayes has been suspended indefinitely by JLS for an internal, non-criminal act against one of his teammates.

And, the Lansing State Journal reports Domata Peko and Godon Niebylski both have had run-ins with the law, albeit minor, that will be wiped from their records if they stay clean. After all the recent incidents, the ES has now put together a poll, asking YOU how you think JLS handles discipline overall. Vote at left.

While Hayes, at 5'9", has been "iffy" as a defensive back, the ES is unfortunately beginning to see a trend this summer that Spartan gridders can't stay out of trouble. Hayes isn't an MVP or All-Big10, but you hate to lose a three-year starter. But, if you are gonna screw with your teammate, then you deserve to get punished; no doubt about it, but Hayes deserves his pine time, whatever he did. It sure can't help a weak defense going into fall camp, which begins August 7.

PEKO & NIEBYLSKI TROUBLES

Of note, today's LSJ reports that senior DT Domata Peko pled guilty on June 23 to a charge of misdemeanor disorderly conduct from a May 21 incident. If he stays out of trouble through Dec 23, the charges will be dismissed.

And, junior OL Gordon Niebylski pled guilty on May 21 to disorderly conduct from a Feb. 19 incident. He needs to stay out of trouble through Nov. 21 to wipe it from his record.

These seem minor and may produce minor disciplinary action by JLS. However, these two are more critical to the team's success and are the most major blow yet to the team. Although the ES still believes that the disciplinary measures on the team should remain internal, there unfortunately seems to be a trend here, with off-field issues by Peko, Niebylski, Hayes, Alexander, Teague, Shabaj, D'Imperio, and Williams.

Big Ten Shuffles Bowl Lineup

(07/21/05)--The Big Ten conference yesterday announced that it would add the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando as its #4 bowl for the first two years, and #5 bowl for the second two years. The Insight Bowl also joins the lineup as the #5 bowl vs a Big 12 foe in Tempe, Arizona. Out are the Sun Bowl and Music City Bowl. The Big Ten has kept its other bowl contracts with the Outback (#2), Capital One (#3) and Alamo Bowl (#4) in place. The Rose Bowl (#1) has extended its contract with the Big Ten through 2013. Link here for the full story.

ES Previews Kent State

(07/20/05)--The ES has posted his first preview of 2005 with a look at the Kent State Golden Flashes of the Mighty MAC. Link here for more on our first enemy of 2005.

LSJ Opine Misses Reality

(07/18/05)--Today's Lansing State Journal editorial makes the case that the current legal troubles affecting the MSU football team make the case for the Board of Trustees to step in and force the university to make rules to improve the situation.

Boy, the LSJ blew it on this one.

For years, most of us in the community have cried out in anguish whenever the Board of Trustees messes in the athletics program. This is no different, and the trustees have no business legislating over the current issues.

MSU is NOT alone - LSJ should opine about college football in general, not just MSU. At least our gridders don't have murder and rape on their rap sheet. The ES typed in "football players arrested 2005" in the yahoo search engine, and nothing with MSU even popped up in the first three pages. Look below, I haven't even included all that I found... this is for starters. What did pop up, well check these reports:

• July 13: Miami (Florida) football player arrested for disorderly conduct (link here).
• July 12: Three Ohio State football players in trouble with the law in the past three weeks (link here).
• June 30: New Mexico State team leader arrested for DWI (link here).
• May 31: South Carolina football player arrested for DUI (link here).
• March 14: Kansas football player arrested again (link here).
• March 26: Southern Cal football player arrested for rape (link here)
• March 26: Arizona State football player arrested in murder (link here).

What does this mean? Sure, players are in trouble at MSU. They're in trouble at Miami, Southern Cal, Kansas, South Carolina, New Mexico St, and Arizona State. It isn't every player, and it isn't just MSU. It happens every year, every summer, everywhere.

So, the LSJ should not single out Michigan State. This is a concerns nationwide. But it is NOT fair to single out college football players, or athletes. If the LSJ wants to do justice, it should look at ALL the other students on scholarship at MSU and nationwide, and see how many of them have gotten into trouble with the law and should request the same form of repair from the trustees for all scholarship students.

The ES disagrees with the LSJ's opinion of MSU's need to form special public rules for student athlete discipline. All other departments handle their discipline internally, and so should the athletic department.

It would be disingenous to state that a scholarship IS compensation for student athletes, yet hold them to higher disciplinary standards than their scholarship peers on campus.

Finally, the LSJ is correct that coaches can't watch players 24/7. Noone should; they are adults. If you treat them like children, they'll act like children. JLS and the athletic program are doing the best job they can to let these players know their will be consequences for their actions. Does the LSJ really think they will have a shadow over student-athletes all year? This is America, not the KGB Red-Block Soviet Union. Wake up.

Should the LSJ publish its disciplinary measures it takes against its employees? Well, neither should the MSU football program against its student-athletes.

The LSJ is just plain wrong. Keep the detailed penalties internal, JLS will inform us of what he does with his team when the time comes. He will deal with it appropriately as he sees fit. He is the department head, and its his "employees." If not, then fire JLS, but don't change the system. The last thing we need is trustees to butt their head into the athletic program when for years we've been trying to get them -- and Joel Ferguson -- out of the picture.

Spartans Nab QB Recruit

(07/18/05)--According to SpartanMag.com, MSU has landed another solid early commitment for 2006, this time its QB Connor Dixon out of South Park HS in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dixon is listed at Rivals.com at 6-4, 174 pounds, and runs a 4.45-40 yard dash. He will don the green and white after turning down hometown Pitt as well as Boston College, NC State, Illinois, Indiana, Duke, and Wake Forest. Rivals.com lists Dixon as the 40th best player in the state of PA.

The GCS -- Geriatric Coaching Summitt "Masters" Coaches Poll Considered After Harris Interactive Poll Flops

(7/15/05)--Former Georgia coach Vince Dooley is helping to lead an effort with that piece of shit we all hate, Bo Schembechler, and the all-time cheating king, Barry Switzer, to start up a "Masters Coaching Poll" of former coaches to complement what the BCS has to offer. According to a report by the Atlanta Journal Constitution (link here) several coaches will attend secret two-day meetings at the Melhana Grand Plantation Resort in Thomasville, Georgia. These over-the-hill ex-coaches will discuss what's being called "The Masters Coaches Survey," aka "The MCS." This news comes out after Harris Interactive continues to struggle putting together a group of 114 experts for its BCS poll (see below).

Atlanta-based attorney Andy Curtin is pushing for the poll, but who is this guy and what is HIS motivation (other than obsessed with football and hating the BCS, like the ES). The geriatric bunch will be compensated, and reports state hey hope to eventually become part of the BCS. (but, hopefully, we'll have a playoff before they get that chance).

According to the Atlanta Jounral Constitution, under the MCS coaches would put together their poll by watching game films, making reports on the teams and taking part in a conference call to finalize the rankings. The duties of the coaches who sign would include watching game film, commenting on the teams publicly, voting on the poll, serving as spokesmen for the poll and potentially serving as talent on a television show built around the poll, according to MCS documents.
The agreement calls for an up-front payment and potential revenue sharing should the poll turn into a moneymaker.

The ES likes to call this the GCS, or the "Geriatric Coaching Summit", whereby you have to be at least 70 -- and looking nearly 90 -- to be invited. The list of coaches invited to attend the Geriatric Coaching Summit:

> John Cooper, Ohio State
> Terry Donahue, UCLA
> Vince Dooley, Georgia
> Pat Dye, Auburn
> LaVell Edwards, BYU
> Hayden Fry, Iowa
> Don James, Washington
> Frank Kush, Arizona State
> Dick MacPherson, Syracuse
> Bill Mallory, Indiana
> Don Nehlen, West Virginia
> John Robinson, USC
> Bo Schembechler, Michigan
> R.C. Slocum, Texas A&M
> Gene Stallings, Alabama
> Barry Switzer, Oklahoma
> George Welsh, Virginia

Harris Interactive Poll To Be Second BCS Poll, Debuts Mid-Season, Sept 25

(07/15/05)--The new addition to the BCS, the Harris Interactive College Football Poll, will rank the top 25 teams on a weekly basis, starting Sept. 25 -- four weeks into the season. Plans call for 114 voters. The panel will be comprised of former coaches, players and administrators, plus media members.

The BCS has said it would like to see the elimination of preseason polls, which some believe give highly touted teams an unfair headstart in the rankings.
"This allows for some games to be played in the current season rather than allow teams to be ranked purely on preseason expectations," BCS coordinator and Big 12 commissioner Kevin Weiberg said Monday during a conference call.

The season's first BCS standings will be released Oct. 17.

The new poll replaces The Associated Press poll, which the BCS had used in its formula for ranking teams since 1998. Last season, however, the AP told the BCS it could no longer use its media poll. In addition to the new poll, the BCS will continue to use the USA Today coaches' poll and a compilation of six computer rankings -- each counting for one-third of a team's grade. The coaches will continue with a preseason ballot.

Earlier this year, ESPN pulled out of participating in the coaches' poll. And, the AP was never asked to be part of the BCS, so they pulled out in January.... so the Harris Poll was created to replace the AP Poll as part of the BCS formula. The AP will still crown its own national champ, as it has done since 1936.

Coaches agreed to have their final ballots made public in the USA Today Poll for the first time this season. The new Harris poll will take the same approach, releasing only the final ballots.

Weiberg said voters in the new poll will be allowed to make their votes public at any point in the season if they choose.
"We've made very good progress in terms of people responding affirmatively to wanting to be part of the poll," he said.

The AP preseason poll will be released Aug. 20, with the first regular-season poll Sept. 6. The AP national champion will be crowned after the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4.

Court & Shabaj Update

(7/15/05)--Senior WR Aaron Alexander acceped a plea bargain of DWI yesterday; he will be sentenced on Aug. 12. Senior RB Jason Teague turned hmself in on Tuesday and will have a pretrial hearing on July 20. And, former WR Agim Shabaj was not selected in the NFL supplemental draft -- to no surprise.

Tailgating Times Set For 2005 Football Season - Let's Party!

(7/14/05)--Wahoo! Let's Gig! Michigan State University has announced tailgating times on campus for this fall's home football games.

Tailgating will be allowed up to three hours after the conclusion of each game.

As stated by the MSU release today:

"Spartan fans are reminded of a new "open container" ordinance, adopted earlier this year by the MSU Board of Trustees. The ordinance bans open containers of alcohol on campus and in all public areas of campus buildings.

However, on home football game days, enforcement of the ordinance will be suspended on the main campus for those of legal drinking age, during the hours parking lots are open for tailgating. Munn Field remains alcohol-free, as do pedestrian areas immediately adjacent to Spartan Stadium."

Spartans Add Two Recruits

(07/14/05)--MSU added two more recruits, one to its '06 class and one to its '07 class, to get off to a surprisingly fast and positive start to the 2006 recruiting season... and at positions they need.

DE Patrick Rigan hails from Traverse City St. Francis, stands 6-6 and weighs 240 lbs. He was at MSU's camp on Monday and told JLS of his commitment after his workout. Rigan is rated the #6 player overall in Michigan by Rivals.com...more importantly, he chose MSU over ND, Northwestern, Indiana and CMU.

And, QB Keith Nichol of Lowell gave JLS his verbal commitment after turning down offers from Purdue, Wisconsin and Cincinnati. Nichol led Lowell to the D3 state title last season as a sophomore.

Add Alexander To Arrest List

(07/13/05)--Aaron Alexander will have a pretrial hearing on Thursday for his arrest on June 26 for drunk driving, according to the Lansing State Journal (link here for article). This looks like probation to he ES, as Alexander hasn't been in trouble before (at least I don't think so), and probably a one or two game suspension by JLS. However, Jason Teague's arrest (see below) is his third and he could face some jail time (up to 93 days) and maybe a more significant suspension.

The Lansing State Journal's Joe Rexrode offers a perspective that these setbacks, combined with defections and other problems, have dealt a blow to the Spartans depth. The other issues Rexrode brings up is the tranfer of QB Stephen Reaves (after his legal problems with alcohol abuse) to Southern Miss, and the departure of Miles Williams (who spent 159 days in jail) and Hugh D'Imperio (currently in jail for 154 days) for beating up two students to rob their wallets. Williams will transfer to Youngstown State and D'Imperio will not return to MSU.

The LSJ also states that incoming stud RBs Javon Ringer and AJ Jimmerson are academically qualified for the fall. And, JUCO defensive lineman David Stanton and Jonal Saint-Dic are already in East Lansing. Both will likely crack the two-deep immediately.

ES ANALYSIS ON PROBLEMS AFFECTING MSU DEPTH

However, let's look at the depth issues a bit more, well deeply. Rexrode does NOT mention the departure of Agim Shabaj because of grades. This, in conjunction with the problems with Alexander, deals a blow to the two-deep of the wide receiving corps (Jerramy Scott, Matt Trannon, Carl Grimes, Kyle Brown all are the first-teamers). However, wideout is our deepest position, and looking at the positive play of Campbell and Oquendo in the spring game, MSU still has plenty of depth. The toughest sentence by JLS would bring Alexander back to the lineup by the Big Ten season opener.

The bigger concern is the loss of two standouts, Williams and Imperio. Both would have made an impact on the defensive side of the ball team this fall -- where MSU needs the most help -- and would likely have seen playing time. However, they were kicked off at the end of the season last year for their troubles, and have never contributed on the gridiron... so while they would have added depth, their loss is not as significant as could have been the case.

Stephen "Crybaby" Reaves is a non-issue... he was detrimental to the team for his whining and likely would have been the #3 anyhow behind Brian Hoyer. While the troubles are concerning, MSU has not been dealt a death blow here and no changes to the lineup are necessary at this point. But, JLS has got to be holding his breath until fall ball comes, hoping no other player does something stupid.

Teague wanted by ELPD

(07/12/05)--On June 3, the East Lansing Police Department issued a warrent for the arrest of MSU starting running back Jason Teague in connection with the assault and battery of an MSU alum last October, according to a published report in today's State News. The article states that ELPD has attempted to contact Teague serveral times, but never received a response and thus issued the warrant. The report states Teague was drunk and agitated and refused to leave the front lawn of the alumns home when asked... and he hit the alum in the face. JLS is looking into the incident but had no comment. For the full article, link here.

While this is still just an allegation and all are innocent until proven guilty, this is a troubling incident which could leave Teague suspended for possibly the first two or three games of the season. The ES smells disciplinary action from JLS on this one...

Shabaj to Try Out for NFL

(07/11/05)--In rather an odd twist, the Lansing State Journal reports today that MSU wide receiver Agim Shabaj (or make that former MSU WR) will have a work out for seven NFL teams on Tuesday to attempt to be picked up in the supplemental draft on Thursday. Last month, Shabaj was ruled academically ineligible for 2005 and "can't afford tuition at MSU to sit out a year." So, instead of transferring to D2 schools, he'll opt for his chances with the NFL. Well, although the ES isn't convinved Shabaj is good enough for the big leagues, let's hope he gets picked up -- the ES is rooting for ya!

SEC Adds Instant Replay

(07/07/05)--The Southeastern Conference became the sixth NCAA D1-A football conference to agree to employ the instant replay system this fall, joining the Pac-10, Big East, Mountain West, ACC, and Big Ten.

How instant replay will work in the SEC:
* The SEC is spending $20,000 per school to upgrade replay equipment in the press boxes.
* A nine-panel replay screen similar to the NFL will be used.
* The league will pay for TV cameras at games not already televised.
* An extra official in the press box will decide if a play needs to be reviewed by buzzing the officials on the field.
* Coaches cannot request a replay.
* Reviewable plays: Touchdowns, out of bounds, receptions, fumbles.

Shabaj Just Might Be Too Dumb to Play in 2005

(06/30/05)--Shabaj won't don the Green and White in 2005 beause he is academically ineligible. Jesus, even through all the beer of the ES's MSU career, he never was close to getting suspended. But, the ES never played football either... yet it doesn't matter. Getting your books and tuition paid for would be incentive enough for me to get hit in a crossing pattern over the middle! Man, what a lame-o.... get yer shit together and study!

Oh, and former MSU QB Stephen Reaves has landed at Southern Miss, and will sit out 2005. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

MSU ranked 5th in Big Ten

(06/27/05)—Looking at the first five major preview releases, three of them pick MSU to finish fifth in the league, with the other two picking them eighth. Here's how things look so far. (PS=Phil Steele, Ath=Athlon, SN=Sporting News, Lin=Lindy's, S&S=Street & Smiths)

Oh No!!!! My 'gate is GONE!

(06/24/05)—The ES is bummin'. Here he is getting an ice cream cone at Melting Moments yesterday, only to see his tailgating spot behind Morrill Hall GONE! Click on photos to enlarge.

Spartans Nab LB & TE As First '06 Recruits

(6/22/05. updated 3:25 pm.)--The Spartans have their first pair of recruits of the 2006 class, with Birmingham Brother Rice standout Charlie Gantt and Traverse City West inside linebacker Eric Gordon choosing to don the green and white.

Gordon is 6-0, 217-0lbs, and runs a 4.57-40. Rivals.com ranks him as the sixth best player in the state. He told JoePa to take a hike, and also chose MSU over Notre Dame, Missouri, Indiana and CMU. Scout.com states: Gordon will be a three-year varsity starter in 2005. He had 125 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 6 sacks as a junior. He had 44 carries for 456 yds rush and 10 TDs. Gordon was named all-area; he can bench press 330 pounds.

Scout.com has some quotes on Gordon from his coach: "He has natural linebacker instincts. His acceleration is also exceptional. Eric also has very good speed. We had two other very good linebackers this past year that were seniors. Both signed with DII schools and Eric still led our team in tackles. He’s a special football player.” Link here for bio.

Gantt is 6-5, 235-lbs, and runs a 4.7-40 yd dash. He had a great camp at the Ann Arbor NIKE combine in May. He can bench press 375-lbs and has great hands and speed... According to Spartanmag.com, Spartan coaches have stated Gantt "fits the perfect mold of future TEs at MSU." He is rated as the #4 overall prospect in Michigan by Rivals.com, so this is seemingly a dandy recruit for the Spartoonies. This guy always dreamed of being a Spartan, and he chose MSU over Notre Dame, Indiana, CMU, EMU, WMU, North Carolina, Cincinnati, Duke, and Bowling Green.

His grandfather, Bob Gantt, was one of the greatest football players in Duke history -- thus his interest in Carolina. The Durham native shined in three sports for the Blue Devils in the 1940s-- football, basketball and track-- and was inducted in the schools' hall of fame in 1981. After serving his country in the second World War, Gantt also played a couple years of professional basketball.

Can a football player lift weights at campus facilities with coaches in the off-season?

(06/20/05)—The answer is YES. A few years ago, Sports Illustrated investigated college football players attending weight training clinics on campus with strength and conditioning coaches; this seemingly was contrary to NCAA policies that prohibit coaching involvement with football players in the off-season.

However, the NCAA Division I Legislative Review/Interpretations Committee issued an interpretation on May 18 that would allow weight training in the presence of strength and conditioning coaches “provided such activities are not prearranged, the strength and conditioning coach is performing normal duties and responsibilities in the supervision of the weight room or facility in use.” So, it looks like this nixes much of the SI concerns.

The committee has also recommended that institutions can put the names and pictures of student-athletes on merchandise and sell the merchandise through third-party wesites… provided that the institutions have control over the content of the website.

MSU on tv first three games to kickoff 2005

(6/17/05, MSU Media Relations, www.msuspartans.com)-- Michigan State's first three football games in 2005 will be televised, according to selections announced Thursday, June 16 jointly by the Big Ten Conference and television networks.

Michigan State's 2005 season and home opener, Sept. 3 vs. Kent State, will be televised by ESPN Plus, with kickoff set for noon EDT. ESPN Plus and ESPNU will televise the Spartans' Sept. 10 home game vs. Hawaii at 3:30 p.m. EDT. Michigan State's Sept. 17 road game at Notre Dame will be televised nationally by NBC, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT.

The Spartans enter the 2005 season with a streak of 27-consecutive live TV appearances (games televised regionally or nationally since November 2002).

JLS Enjoys Summer; MSU Cans Baseball Coach

(6/16/05)--Spartan FB Coach John L Smith was interviewed on WNLS TV-6 last night, and stated "I'm pleased with what I've heard about our players this summer. They're on campus, taking classes and working out. I hear they are working hard." Not really newsworthy, but that's what he said.

Oh, yeah, MSU fired its baseball coach Ted Mahan. While Mahan said it was a mutual decision, he also told the LSJ "yeah I'd love to coach, it's all I've ever done." Read betwen the lines: you're fired. Frankly, what took Mason so long -- this is a no-brainer... our baseball team sucks and there is little to no interest on campus and in the community. Time to shake things up, especially with the multi-million renovation plans of Old College Field led by Gibby.

Updated Top 25 ES Preseason Consensus: 6/16 - Phil Steele ranks MSU #37

(6/16/05)--The ES picked up this year's 2005 Phil Steele College FB Preview at Schuler's Books, and found MSU ranked #37 by Steele and poised at 5th in the Big Ten preseason rankings.

Steele says this: "The Spartans have to face my #20 ranked schedule including road trips to Purdue, Ohio St and Notre Dame with a home matchup vs Michigan. If QB Stanton stgays healthy all year, they have Top 25 potential. ...MSU actually had a losing season last year but have 13 returning starters and two other key points that has me calling them a surprise teams this eason. First, they were -10 in turnover last year [according to Steele, a team with a bad turnover ratio the year prior ususally follows up with a favorable turnover ratio and a winning season] and the second is they had the best mark in the entire Big 10 outgaining conf foes by 113.4 ypg (29.4 ypg better than league champ scUM). They do have to play both OSU and Purdue on the road as well as host the Wolvies. They could knock off one of those three and clearly move up in the Big 10 standings. ...They should definitely get back to the winning side of the ledger and a bowl, and could pull a surprise or two vs the Big 10's powerhouses."

As you know, Phil Steele has the best and most comprehensive college football preview in the business. Although he missed the boat last year on MSU, so did many of us... a great prognostication from Steele this year. He picks the Big Ten race: Purdue (#3 overall), Michigan (#7), Ohio St (#9), Iowa (#14), MSU (#37), JoePa (#19), Wisky (#41), Minny (#44), Illinois (#71), Northwestern (#64), Indiana (#81).

Street and Smith's also has hit the newsstands; S&S picked MSU at #35 overall and also had MSU finishing fifth in the Big 10.

So the ES has a new Top25 consensus from the 11 top preseason prediction services -- all posted at the conclusion of spring ball -- and averaged them out to come up with a Consensus ES Top 25 ranking. The ES gives one point for each ranking, and 26 points for all those teams not ranked. First off, the ES thinks its BULLSHIT that these pundits pick Wyoming, UCLA, and Utah over the Spartans... not to mention three WAC teams (Boise, UTEP and Fresno). Give us the schedule of these teams, and the Big Green would win 10 or 11 games as well.

Using Blue Ribbon, Phil Steele, Street & Smiths, CollegeFootballNews.com, NationalChamps.net, Scout.com, CBSsportsline.com, SI.com, ESPN, Athlon and Lindy's, here is the current consensus:

BCS Hires Harris For New Poll

(6/15/05)--That joke of a football championship series, you know -- the BCS, has hired Harris Interactive to come up with a new poll to replace the AP poll. If you recall, the AP bowed out over Christmas break because it was never asked to be included in the BCS formula. The new poll would include former players, coaches, administrators and media. The ES sees the BCS still scrambling, trying to fill the mistake-filled cracks it created for itself... although on the surface it seems like an interesting mix of a formula, what makes it any better than the AP media poll? And, why hire Harris Interactive for umpteen thousands of dollars to put together a poll, when instead you could have some sport administration students look at all the options to "fix" the BCS... including a new poll? The new poll would be ready by mid-July.

Here is some commentary from the BCS:

Harris Interactive, a leading marketing research and polling firm known for The Harris Poll®, is currently assessing the feasibility of the poll which seeks to construct a representative sample of voters who are knowledgeable about college football. The proposed poll would consist of former players,
coaches, administrators and media.

“Harris Interactive is engaged in a process of contacting a random sample of individuals nominated by
the conferences and Notre Dame to determine interest in participating in the poll,” Weiberg said. “We are confident in the credibility of the Harris name and their ability to construct a poll based on
statistically valid sampling principles and to manage it throughout the season. Once we have more
information from Harris Interactive we will determine whether or not to proceed with this new poll as
part of the BCS Standings Formula.”

Gregory Novak, President and Acting CEO of Harris Interactive said, "College football and the Bowl Championship Series bring together Americans from across the nation as they support and celebrate the accomplishments of today's student-athletes. Harris Interactive is honored to be asked by the conference commissioners and Notre Dame to lend its 40 years of polling experience and expertise to this important initiative."

Conference commissioners and Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White continue to review several
options for the BCS Standings Formula and intend to complete the process by mid-July.

Anthropological dig on campus stirs memories of MSU150

(06/11/05)--The ES was waddling around campus on Friday and managed to swing by the MSU Museum for an interview on the MSU150 exhibit, to be featured in his upcoming June 30 podcast. Right next to the museum is something you won't see on campus every 50 or so years: an anthropological dig. Students from Anthropology 464 are looking for artifacts of "Saints Rest," the first dormatory built in 1856 on the MSU campus, and which burned down in 1876. According to MSU Museum Director of Communications Lora Helou, any artifacts found will be placed in an exhibit in the museum later this summer. According to Helou, the dig may have been inspired by an inkwell from the period found at the site 10 years ago. According to a student the ES spoke with "we've found lots of nails, glass and brick." They have until July 15 to find what they can, "before they make us cover things back up." For more, visit: www.digMSU.msu.edu

Anyhow, here are a few photos... be sure to click on each to enlarge. Photos taken by the ES on June 10, 2005.

Big10 Media Day Aug 1-2, All D1-A Michigan Football Coaches (except Lloyd Carr) Media Day Aug 4

(6/9/05)—The Big Ten Conference will host its annual media day on August 1 and 2 at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Chicago. For more information and to register, link here.

Two days after that, the Mid-Michigan Chapter of The National Football Foundation has scheduled a Kickoff Luncheon to run from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath. Coaches and selected players from all five NCAA Division I-A football programs in the state will preview the upcoming season.

Featured speakers include: Central Michigan head coach Brian Kelly, Eastern Michigan head coach Jeff Genyk, Michigan director of football operations Scott Draper, Michigan State head coach John L. Smith and Western Michigan head coach Bill Cubit.

Tickets are $25 each for Mid-Michigan Chapter members and $30 each for non-members. Tables of eight are available for $200 each for chapter members and $240 each for non-members.

Proceeds go to the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the National Football Foundation as well as the College Football Hall of Fame.

Reservations can be made by sending a check or money order (payable to Mid-Michigan Touchdown Club) to: NFF Mid-Michigan Chapter, c/o MSU Sports Information, 401 Olds Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1047. For more information, call John Lewandowski at 355-2271.

NCAA President Speaks Out on 12th Game

(06/08/05)--NCAA President Myles Brand spoke out in a column in the most recent NCAA News on the justification for agreeing to allow for 12-game football schedules in D1-A. First of all, the new rule is permissive and not required: for instance, if you add a 12th game, you need to win seven games to be bowl eligible... so there is a trade off for a majority of schools (like MSU) which struggle to just reach 6-5, let alone 7-5 instead of 6-6. Brand makes many good points, but seems to try and justify the reasoning based upon attacks from the press, financial decisions (an additional $200k - $5mil per year) and what is or what is not good for the student-athlete vs. their school work load. Instead, Brand should have focused on the fact that student-athletes themselves (who are the ones playing and studying) and fans want a 12th game, and that they are already playing 14 or 15 games in D1A, D2 and D3.

He quotes NCAA rationale as "The additional game has the potential for increased revenue at a time when the prospect for our programs is so very critical. And because this is permissive legislation, schools may play the additional game, but they certainly don't need to if they don't wish to. Also, I don't believe there is a valid academic argument against it. ... Many feel that where there is early scheduling it has led to open dates in midseason, and increasing the number of games is much better than an open date and certainly does not require any additional practice time. Finally, in answer to the argument that this would be too great a burden on players and coaches, I would point out that about one-fifth of the major college teams are annually playing the additional game in bowl competition."

Link here for the full article.

ESPN Joins AP To Pull Out of BCS Mix; ES rails at BCS

(6/8/05)—ESPN has pulled out of the coaches poll, saying that it did not want to be associated with the poll unless the votes were made public throughout the season – and not just the final week as previously agreed upon by the Bowl Championship Series. USA Today will continue to feature the coaches poll. In December, the Associated Press sent a cease and desist order to the BCS to mandate it stop using their poll in the BCS formula because it had never been asked.

ESPN cited the reasoning as a conflict of interest, that it could not appropriately cover college football with it also endorsing a cloud of secrecy with the national rankings. As stated at ESPN.com: "Coaches have the perfect right to conduct their voting the way they see fit," said Vince Doria, ESPN's vice president and director of news. "We just feel, in our best interests here, we couldn't reconcile having our name on the poll and being able to cover any controversy that might arise." Doria specifically mentioned the turmoil that ensued in the BCS regarding California and Texas and the impact of the coaches voting that led to Texas leapfrogging Cal for a BCS bowl bid. Link here for full ESPN article.

This is more turmoil for the BCS, with yet another organization not wanting to be affiliated with the BCS because of either a conflict of interest or an inappropriate decision making process. Sure the BCS will likely still be tweaked and sure this decision doesn’t affect the BCS polls because of USA Today’s continued affiliation… but, it does once again understate the fact that the BCS has major issues that it will never get over because of: (1) the inherent nature of the human element of selecting a national champion, and (2) the impact of the convoluted BCS formula process on who ends up in the major bowl games.

The reality is the only way to solve this is for a playoff, as is being done in Division I-AA, II, and III. The ES and most Spartan fans would pay to see MSU in the Alamo Bowl whether there would be a playoff or not. And, the NCAA is missing the big picture of how much additional revenue a national football playoff would bring in. If a playoff were to begin in mid-December and end by mid-January, it would have no impact on the student-athletes because the end date would be the same. Ask the student-athletes, the ones playing the game and hitting the books, whether or not they want a playoff and 90% or more would likely say “YES.” But, NCAA presidents and many coaches are reluctant… unfortunately.

But, the day will come that we see a national football playoff. More BCS controversies will bring us closer to that day, and the ES says maybe 2010? Can't be soon enough... I guess they don't want the money bad enough/or they don't need it bad enough yet.

Spartans fill need at LB with Juarez

(6/1/05)--The LSJ reports today that Michigan State added JUCO LB Steven Juarez out of Los Angeles Harbor College to the roster. Expect the 6-2, 230-lb, athlete to get into the lineup immediately and add depth to MSU's weakest position. Juarez chose MSU over Utah, UTEP, Utah State, Washington, Boise State and Nebraska. The LSJ reports that Harbor College coach Steve Schmitz and JLS were buddies in college, and that helped nab Juarez. In all honesty, the Spartans need bodies at LB and hopefully this guy will be a quick study and fill the holes. The ES tried to find some skinny on him, but there just ain't much out there. Here is the link to his Rivals bio. This is the 26th recruit and the 7th JUCO.

Spartan Stadium pics 5/27; MSU ranked 5th in Big10 at #36 by Athlon...

(5/27/05)--The ES has taken some new Spartan stadium expansion and Sparty elimination pics, below (link here). Amazing the reconstruction of this area...

But, as the ES stated in his latest podcast, it sure would be nice to put a big old Bloc 'S' on top of that expansion area. About 40-foot tall, spinning, and glowing in the dark. We'd have the only glowing block letter in the nation. Any sponsors out there??? Imagine driving past the capittal city and seeing a block green S glowing...

Now, MSU seems to be getting the shaft in the early preseason polls... and we should. Until we earn it on the field, we can't expectd much. Athlon's Big Ten ranks as: #3 Iowa, #7 Michigan, #12 OSU, #15 Purdue, #36 MSU, #44 Wisky
#48 Minnesota, #60 JoePa, #62 NW, #78 Illinois, #80 Indiana

Anyhow, Athlon has its top-25 as:

No. 1 - Southern Cal
No. 2 - Tennessee
No. 3 - Iowa
No. 4 - Oklahoma
No. 5 - Florida State
No. 6 - Texas
No. 7 - Michigan
No. 8 - Louisville
No. 9 - LSU
No. 10 - Virginia Tech
No. 11 - Miami-Fla
No. 12 - Ohio State
No. 13 - Florida
No. 14 - Georgia
No. 15 - Purdue
No. 16 - Alabama
No. 17 - Boston College
No. 18 - Boise State
No. 19 - Arizona St.
No. 20 - Auburn
No. 21 - Texas Tech
No. 22 - Virginia
No. 23 - Pittsburgh
No. 24 - UTEP
No. 25 - Georgia Tech

Coaches Poll to be Made Public ...and it Stirs Controversy

(5/26/05. From USA Today)--Bob Stoops was outspoken a year ago, pointing to the prominent role of polls in college football's national championship race and calling for voters — including coaches — to come clean and reveal their votes.

Now the Oklahoma coach is having second thoughts.

Yielding to public and Bowl Championship Series pressure, the American Football Coaches Association will publicize final ballots in the USA TODAY/ESPN Coaches' Poll this season. USA TODAY reported the change Thursday, and Stoops immediately expressed concern some coaches might vote politically rather than conscientiously.

"After talking to other coaches and us meeting about it, I see the concerns other people have. And they're very valid," he said.

"Say (it's) a guy — I'm just throwing a name out — like Steve Kragthorpe at Tulsa. He's got a group of people who are Tulsa supporters, who go to his games, who are also big Sooner fans. What if he votes us, say, (No.) 2 and USC (No.) 1? Or Auburn ahead of us? What do you think is going to happen?

"Without it being public, you may have gotten a truer vote from guys not having to worry about what the backlash is going to be. People think this'll make it better. I don't know that it does."

Stoops said coaches also are likely to struggle with where to vote their own teams. Others, like Texas' Mack Brown and Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer, have expressed similar uneasiness. AFCA executive director Grant Teaff acknowledged those reservations but said, "The truth of the matter is the coaches are willing to do this if, in some way, we can help the BCS."

Brown, for one, is reconsidering. "Initially I was against making the votes ... public, but I do think it's important for Texas, if asked, to have a vote," he said in a statement. "It can put coaches in a difficult situation, but the coaches' poll has always played such an important role in college football that I believe it's our responsibility to continue to be a part of it."

While Big 12 commissioner and BCS coordinator Kevin Weiberg hadn't ordered final ballots be made public, he has made it clear since last season that the administrators prefer it.

Two voting issues arose in 2004. The first involved the emergence of three unbeatens — Southern California, Oklahoma and Auburn — and Auburn's ultimate exclusion from the BCS title matchup in the Orange Bowl.

Far more controversial was Texas' berth in the Rose Bowl, nudging out California. Cal won its final game 26-16 at Southern Mississippi, but idle Texas gained 23 points on the Bears in the Associated Press media poll and 43 points in the coaches' poll to pull ahead of the Bears in the BCS standings. Each poll carried one-third weight in the standings; computer ratings carried the other third.

AP votes were publicized; coaches' were not. AP pulled its rankings from the BCS formula after the furor. The BCS hopes to replace AP's with a new poll. Its final votes also would be public.

"We really can't afford to have the integrity of those votes questioned," Pacific-10 Commissioner Tom Hansen said. "I think this (release of ballots) will assure to the greatest possible extent that everyone will vote with the best interest of all parties concerned."

With only final votes publicized, however, it will not reveal any late switches. That would require the release of previous ballots.

Coaches are in an uncomfortable situation as it is, said Stoops, who added many would weigh whether to stay on the 62-member panel.

"I think most of us would still say yes," Stoops said. "You want to have that ability (to vote). Still, there's more to think about."

ES Podcast in City Pulse, ES on IMPACT Radio 89.7-FM

(05/24/05)--The ES podcast is a feature story in the City Pulse (May 25, 2005). Link here for the story.

The ES was a feature guest along with Spartan Podcast's (www.spartanpodcast.com) Bill Castanier on Berl Schwarz's "Exposure" radio show on Impact Radio FM on Wednesday, May 25, from 7 - 8 pm. If you'd like a listen, check out the May 27 ES podcast.

100 Most Influential Student Athletes in NCAA History to Be Featured For Centennial Anniversary

(5/23/05. From the NCAA News.)--The NCAA and ESPN will collaborate on two projects to honor student-athletes during the Centennial year, and officials hope the membership will assist in those efforts.

As part of the Centennial celebration in 2006, ESPN will air two one-hour programs highlighting the 100 "Most Influential NCAA Student-Athletes." The network also will produce and air 25 30-second vignettes drawing attention to the "greatest moments" in NCAA history.

Officials are looking for nominations for both projects, and suggestions may be submitted via e-mail to nominations@ncaa.org. Each nomination for the 100 Most Influential Student-Athletes should include the name, college and graduation year (if applicable), sport(s) participated in, major, honors and awards received, current occupation and contact information, and a reason for nomination (to be edited at a later date if necessary).

Nominations for the "greatest moments" should include the name of student-athletes or the team involved in the moment, the college, the year of the moment, its significance and where participants are now. The NCAA defines the 100 Most Influential Student-Athletes as those who have made a significant impact or major contributions to society. Criteria for the greatest moments nominations are left up to the nominator's discretion.

College FB Preview magazines to hit newsstands in June

(05/23/05)--It is getting to the time of year for college football preview magazines to hit the newsstands. The bulk of the preview magazines hit in June, with Sports Illustrated’s glossy preview being sent to subscribers in August.

But, the best of them all is Phil Steele, who has 300 pages of indepth information on each Division I team, conference, all the players, the best team units, and his own statistical analyses – including for all you gamblers out there. And, for $8, it’s a steal. It hits newsstands on June 17.

To take a look at how the preview magazines stack up against each other, looking at both information and predictions, go to Chris Stassen’s website at www.stassen.com. He has been rating college football preview magazines since 1993… and he agrees that Phil Steele does it best.

Here are last year’s dates when Chris Stassen found FB preview magazines:

Athlon, June 16
Phil Steele, June 17
Street & Smith, June 17
Gold Sheet , June 17
Sporting News, June 19
Lindy’s , June 19
GamePlan, August 11
Blue Ribbon, August 25

May stadium expansion pics; Preview in LSJ; 21% of club seats sold

(05/13/05)--It has taken awhile, but I'm finally posting Spartan stadium expansion photos from May 5, including the glass casing for Sparty. Link here for pics, taken by the ES. SOMEBODY REPAINT THE SIDE OF THE OLD STADIUM UPPER DECK... IT LOOKS LIKE CRAP!

The Lansing State Journal has a great feature on the stadium expansion in today's paper. Notable is that it is on target for an August 1 completion, and that a late August preview wil be available to the open public (date TBD). MSU has only sold 176 of 838 club seats (at $4,500-$6,500 each) with a goal of 600 sold by kickoff on Sept. 3 vs Kent State. The LSJ also notes that 19 of 24 suites (24-seats at $80k) are sold and 14 of 18 boxes (12 seats at $35k - $62k) are sold. Alcohol may not be allowed for sale in the suites; that still has yet to be decided after a recommendation by AD Ron Mason. Finally, the capacity will increase to 75,005 from the current level of 72,027. Link here for more & more pics.

ES Podcast in NOISE magazine

(05/11/05)--The ES podcast is featured in today's Lansing NOISE, on newsstands this Wednesday, May 11, 2005. Or, link here.

Sparty Moved to Stadium

(05/11/05)--This afternoon, Sparty was moved from his home just north of Dem Hall to the new Stadium expansion project. Click back here for photos throughout the day; click on photos to enlarge.

below: 5:30 pm; photo taken by ES. SPARTY IS GONE!